Reviewed · MUSEUMS

Sydney: Australian Museum RELICS Exhibition Entry Ticket

3.5 · 4 reviews Operated by Australian Museum · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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LEGO history gets a sci-fi makeover in RELICS. I love the way 14 LEGO brick worlds are built inside real, treasured objects from the past, and I also love the hands-on build space that lets you make something instead of just staring. The main catch is crowds, especially during school holidays, when noise and foot traffic can slow your pace.

This is one of those museum experiences where kids and adults can enjoy the same scene, but for different reasons. You’ll follow a custom scavenger hunt with versions for children and adults, and you can grab a free accessible audio description guide. Just remember to bring your own device and headphones, because the museum does not magically supply everything.

Key Things You’ll Notice in RELICS

Sydney: Australian Museum RELICS Exhibition Entry Ticket - Key Things You’ll Notice in RELICS

  • LEGO brick worlds inside real relics: 14 displays turn discarded items into mini civilizations.
  • Created by LEGO Masters winners: Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler designed the experience.
  • A build and display zone: you can create, then show off your work like a tiny mayor.
  • Scavenger hunt for kids and adults: two versions, same smart idea, different difficulty.
  • Free audio description guide: accessible option available if you BYO device and headphones.
  • Museum shop to extend the day: pick up RELICS-themed souvenirs and the exhibition book.

The 2130 Story Behind the RELICS Exhibition

Sydney: Australian Museum RELICS Exhibition Entry Ticket - The 2130 Story Behind the RELICS Exhibition
RELICS, A New World Rises sends you to a future Earth, the year 2130, where humans have left after exhausting natural resources. In their place, small LEGO civilizations have moved into forgotten objects, treating old tech and everyday items like whole neighborhoods.

The key thing I like is how the theme works for mixed ages. It’s not heavy-handed. The environmental message shows up through a playful setup, like abandoned radios, pianos, arcade machines, and suitcases becoming habitats. That lets you talk about big ideas without turning the whole museum visit into a lecture.

If you enjoy world-building, this show gives you a lot to look at. Every object is basically a clue container, and the LEGO scenes hint at what came before. You’ll likely find yourself slowing down, not because you’re forced to, but because there are lots of little details to spot.

Fourteen Displays of LEGO Worlds Living in Real Objects

Sydney: Australian Museum RELICS Exhibition Entry Ticket - Fourteen Displays of LEGO Worlds Living in Real Objects
The heart of the exhibition is the set of 14 displays, each built as a miniature world inside a familiar relic. This is where RELICS earns its name. You’re not just seeing LEGO sets on a table. You’re seeing LEGO used as architecture, storytelling, and atmosphere.

You can expect to move through scenes built around vintage items. Think along the lines of a classic radio turned into something like a transit hub, or a piano turned into a community landmark. The objects are close enough to really notice, and the LEGO builds are detailed enough that adults get as much from close inspection as kids do from spotting characters and settings.

One practical upside of this format is pacing. Even if you only have energy for one or two “worlds” at a time, you still feel like you’ve gotten value. Each display works like a chapter. And if you’re traveling with kids, you can let them bounce between favorite scenes without ruining the whole experience.

Hands-On Build Space and the Scavenger Hunt for Kids and Adults

Sydney: Australian Museum RELICS Exhibition Entry Ticket - Hands-On Build Space and the Scavenger Hunt for Kids and Adults
RELICS is smart about not making every minute passive. There’s an interactive build space where you can create your own LEGO creations, then display them. That small shift matters. It turns the museum from viewing into participation, which is often the difference between a visit that feels long and a visit that feels fun.

Then there’s the custom scavenger hunt. You get different versions for children and adults, which helps the experience feel fair. Kids can focus on simpler visual clues, while adults can hunt for details that are easier to miss at first glance.

How to use this in real life: if you have limited stamina, start with the scavenger hunt path first. It gives your eyes a mission. When you’re done, you can circle back at your own pace and linger where you actually want to linger.

Also, if you’re traveling as a couple or group with mixed ages, this is a good activity to split up. One person can chase clue accuracy while the other person scouts for favorite relic worlds. Then you regroup.

Audio Description Guide: Easy Accessibility With One Small Catch

One of the best “small but important” features here is the free accessible audio description guide. It’s designed to support guests who want more detail and guidance while exploring.

The catch is simple: you need to BYO device and headphones. So before you head in, make sure your smartphone is charged and your headphones work. If you’re using a separate device, bring it with power.

When an exhibition offers audio support, it changes what you notice. Instead of only relying on visual cues, you get extra context for the scenes and objects. That can be especially helpful for families, because you can use the audio to keep everyone engaged without turning the day into constant explaining.

This is also a good option if you prefer a slightly slower pace. You can pause for audio, look again, then move on.

Timing It Right at the Australian Museum, Especially in School Holidays

This experience can be as smooth or as chaotic as the day you pick. One of the clearest lessons from the experience details is that the exhibition is popular, and it can get crowded and noisy during busy periods.

Here’s how to handle it without ruining your day:

  • Plan extra time to reach the actual exhibition pieces if you’re visiting during peak periods.
  • If you’re sensitive to noise, consider arriving earlier in the day.
  • Build in short breaks. Even a minute or two between displays helps you reset.

On the bright side, entry is generally described as fast and straightforward. That’s a win because you’re not stuck at the start wondering where to go. Still, busy days can slow your movement through the galleries.

A good strategy is to pick one “main circuit” through the 14 displays, then let yourself wander afterward. That way, crowding doesn’t feel like you’re missing the best bits. You’ll already have your favorites covered.

Another way to fill the same day out of Sydney:

Photography, Shoes, and What to Bring So It Feels Easy

RELICS is the kind of show where pictures make sense, because you’re capturing both the real objects and the LEGO micro-cities built inside them. Photography for personal use is typically allowed in most spaces, but you should check on arrival for any restrictions.

What you should bring is basically what keeps you comfortable and ready:

  • Comfortable shoes (you’ll likely be on your feet for a while)
  • A camera if you like high-detail shots
  • A charged smartphone for audio support, notes, and photos

Also, expect to spend time looking up close. If you only do quick glances, you’ll miss the “how did they build that inside there” moments. Good footwear helps, because slow looking usually means more standing.

If you’re bringing kids, this is a good place for a phone battery plan too. The scavenger hunt and audio support can work together, and you don’t want to get stuck mid-visit with a dead device.

Museum Shop Stops: Souvenirs and the Exhibition Book

After you’ve explored the displays, you’ll have a chance to browse the Australian Museum shop. This is where RELICS continues after your feet need a rest.

What’s available is described as RELICS-themed souvenirs, LEGO gifts, and the exhibition book. If you know your family will want to talk about what you saw later, the book can help you keep the story going. It’s also useful if your group split up during the visit and you want shared reference points.

I like adding a shop stop that’s short and intentional. Give yourself a quick window, pick one souvenir per person (or per family unit), then head out before the day drags.

Price and Value: When It Feels Worth It (and When It Might Not)

There isn’t a listed price in the details you provided, so I can’t judge a number. But I can help you judge value.

This ticket tends to feel worth it if:

  • You’re a LEGO fan who enjoys close details and clever builds
  • You’re traveling with children who will actually use the build space and scavenger hunt
  • You like museums that mix a story with hands-on time

It may feel less worth it if:

  • You mostly want a quiet, fast museum stroll with minimal interaction
  • You dislike crowds and noise, since busy times can make viewing slower
  • You’re going primarily for LEGO building without caring about the relic object theme

One more value tip: treat the exhibition as a full activity, not a quick photo stop. If you use the scavenger hunt and audio description guide, you get more from the time you spend inside.

Who Should Book This Experience in Sydney?

RELICS works best for a pretty wide range of people.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you’re:

  • Traveling as a family with kids who like interactive stations
  • An adult who enjoys both nostalgia and sci-fi story ideas
  • Someone who likes playful museum design and can appreciate detailed micro-worlds
  • A visitor who values accessible support, since the audio description guide is available

It may not be your top pick if you want a strictly educational museum with no LEGO element to it, or if you’re only interested in large-scale exhibits and hate line-like crowds.

If you’re visiting Sydney and you’re choosing between a fast museum hit and a longer family activity, this is one of the better “one stop, many ages can win” options.

Should You Book RELICS at the Australian Museum?

I’d say book it if your group includes at least one person who loves LEGO, details, or hands-on play. The combo of 14 LEGO worlds, a scavenger hunt for both kids and adults, and the interactive build space is the reason this feels like more than a standard ticketed exhibition.

Before you book, consider your timing. If you’re going during school holidays, plan for more noise and busier galleries. Give yourself breathing room so the day stays fun instead of stressful.

If you’re the type who enjoys building, spotting tiny story clues, and taking your time looking at how ideas get translated into physical scenes, this is a strong pick for a 1-day plan in Sydney.

FAQ

How long is the RELICS exhibition ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. You can check availability for starting times.

Is there an audio description option?

Yes. There is a free accessible audio description guide. You’ll need to BYO device and headphones to use it.

Is the exhibition wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The experience is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access and accessible facilities at the Australian Museum.

Is RELICS suitable for families and children?

Yes. It’s suitable for families and children. The themes about future Earth and resource depletion are presented in a playful, accessible way.

Is photography allowed?

Photography for personal use is typically allowed in most exhibition spaces, but you should check on arrival for any restrictions.

Will I be able to enter at any time on my booked day?

GetYourGuide customers are available to enter at any time on the day of the booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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